MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Tata Steel had agreed to a management buyout for its site in Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire, completing a deal backed by the Greybull Capital investment firm early on Monday. The firm pledged some 400 million pounds ($570 million) for a turnaround of the company, saving thousands of jobs and the British steel name.
"Today’s announcement is a step in the right direction for the long-term future of British steel manufacturing in Scunthorpe <…> This point wouldn’t have been reached without the efforts of all those involved especially the high skilled workforce and local management. We will now look through the detail and stand ready to provide funding on a commercial basis if required," Javid told the House of Commons just hours after the deal was closed.
The United Kingdom's steel industry has faced significant hardship over the past year amid declining commodity prices and growing competition. In October, Thailand's Sahaviriya Steel Industries announced the closure of its plant in northern United Kingdom's town of Redcar. In the same month, the UK-based Caparo Industries, which operates several sites across the country, went into administration.